Experience the gifts this summer brought to our organization by clicking on the summer galleries (thumbnails at right). The busy summer was followed by an equally active fall: speaking engagements ranged from the American Society of Human Genetics Conference in Hawai'i to Cambridge University in the UK.
Coming up expect details about four overseas expeditions planned for next year, as well as information about a stunning spring fundraiser hosted by fashion designer Ralph Rucci.
See below for an update on the Positive Exposure documentary and special sneak previews. The award-winning Kartemquin filmmakers make it likely that ON BEAUTY will be on the film festival circuit when it is completed in May. We're now looking to identify private funders to support the completion of the film, including the Africa trip, while gaining a producer credit. We hope the film will have a long future educating about the beauty of difference, with possible features on additional platforms like HBO and the Discovery Channel. Don't miss the sneak preview below!
RICK |
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| Guestbook Entry: From a Teen Vogue Subscriber |
 I know I'm just a 14 year old kid that doesn't have a clue...I just stumbled on this while I was researching for a report. but Ii have to say. I am truly truly touched by this organization.  Because
Not to say that those people aren't gorgeous. but and I am so very touched by this. So I just wanted to thank you...It made my day. You and these people [that you photograph] are in my prayers.
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| Tanzania Update: NOAH Initiative, January Trip, and Documentary |
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You may be familiar with Canadian Peter Ash's dedication to helping improve the lives of people living with albinism in Tanzania through his organization Under the Same Sun. Closer to home, the U.S.-based National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) is creating their own response to the ongoing physical and social threats that people with this genetic condition continue to face in East Africa. The Stop Albino Slaughter in Tanzania website provides templates for writing letters to your representatives, asking them to condemn the ritual killings and support efforts to prosecute the attackers.
In January, PE will return to Tanzania to cross cultures and languages with life-giving images of the beauty of difference. This time, we hope to bring along a documentary crew to capture the international arm of Positive Exposure's activities. ON BEAUTY is a documentary film that tells the story of how one man's lens can change the way we see and experience beauty around the world. Find out how you can help make the Tanzania portion of the documentary a reality.
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| National Marfan Foundation Photo Contest: Teens Imagine |
| The National Marfan Foundation sponsored the first Positive Exposure photo contest for teens. After a workshop with Rick, young people roamed the NMF conference, taking pictures and exploring their budding identities. Members of the Marfan community voted on the submissions. Ryan Orkin of South Africa submitted the winning photograph, The Sky is the Limit, below. Find out more about the ImageInation Workshop on the NMF site. |
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| From the Community: Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation |
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It was such an honor to have you photograph our families for the 9th Annual Myotonic Dystrophy Family Conference in Manhattan Beach, CA on October 3-4, 2009. As you know, I learned about this disease in our family at the traumatic birth of my daughter Kayla and since that time I have worked to do my part in helping families living with this life-altering neuromuscular disorder.
Rick, when I first learned about you from Edibell Stone, I went to your website and watched your videos and looked at all of your amazing photographs. I knew at that moment that you could help families living with myotonic dystrophy feel good about themselves and feel human again. You did just that! You are a truly special human being with a God-given talent and you are doing good in this world. I hope that you not only do good but also do well, too. You deserve it! I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The two donations, one from us and the other from Stone Circle of Friends, was our way of saying thank you for being you and for making a difference in this world. We hope the money can help you continue to do your spectacular work.
And most of all, thank you for celebrating Kayla's life and taking so many amazing photos of her.
With love and hope,
Lisa Vittek
Managing Director
Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation |
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